Russell Westbrook is going through a tough phase in his career. He has gone from being regarded as one of the best players in the league a few years ago to being on the receiving end of criticism from fans regardless of his performances.
In the offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Brodie in hopes of bolstering their chances at winning an NBA Championship. Considering Westbrook had to adjust to the Lakers system, many knew it would take some time before the former MVP delivers consistent performances.
Unfortunately, with the All-Star weekend arriving soon, consistency is one thing that has been missing from his skill set. In one game Westbrook will turn into an absolute beast and play very badly in the next game.
Since the year 2022 began, Westbrook has been struggling to score, but on the other hand, he has found a way to keep his turnovers low. Turning the ball over a lot was one of the major flaws in Russ’ game which was highlighted several times this season.
It seems like Westbrook has found a way to keep his turnovers low. So much so that Russ is averaging just 0.8 turnovers over his last five games. Twitter account “NBA Central” brought these numbers into the spotlight in one of their recent tweets. The tweet said:
“Russell Westbrook is averaging 0.8 turnovers in his last 5 games. January 4: zero turnovers; January 9: zero turnovers; January 15: zero turnovers.”
Russell Westbrook is averaging 0.8 turnovers in his last 5 games
January 4: zero turnovers
January 9: zero turnovers
January 15: zero turnovers pic.twitter.com/iM1Y2f3kfm
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 16, 2022
Despite these numbers, NBA fans do not believe that keeping a low number of turnovers is the benchmark for Westbrook to be performing great. Here are the reactions of the fans to this Twitter post.
I love how everyone is like "show his FG%" but before when nba central showed a 5 game streak of him shooting like 50% shooting everyone went "show his turnovers bro" it'll never be enough until he's literally a perfect player shooting 60% and averaging 0 turnovers.
— Europa's pirate twin/#0 is my hero (@EuropaTwin) January 16, 2022
🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️it’s not like turnovers are his only issue 🤨🤨🤨for $43 mil not worth the low returns pic.twitter.com/NiquLfnPg3
— Warren (@Warren32867590) January 16, 2022
Also 30 bricked shots a game pic.twitter.com/OidAH7wCMI
— ¹⁴🛸 (@EIite14) January 16, 2022
Low turnovers doesn’t automatically = a good game for Russ. One of these games, he was 2-12 and another game he was 2-14.
— 𝑳𝒆𝑮𝒐𝒂𝒕 👑🇨🇦 (@LeGoatFan23) January 16, 2022
Maybe, just maybe, it is no longer cost efficient to build, orient and centre everything around LeBron? The amount he costs in the cap and in terms of on court style dominance is maybe no longer conducive to success.
— McQuillionaire (@dpmcquillan) January 16, 2022
https://twitter.com/RBfree850/status/1482844556433543170https://twitter.com/ethancj02/status/1482767232585371648
Westbrook brings nothing to this team. Why is that so hard to see? Lakers need to give him the Wall treatment, immediately.
— 808Lakers_Fan 0-0💜💛👑🏆 (@jelehin) January 16, 2022
Well it’s sure as hell not translating to “good” play…
— Pistol Pete⏱ (@PeteOfTheMoment) January 16, 2022
Westbrooks brother tweeting this pic.twitter.com/CP7U6ce0hb
— Site (@YoSitee) January 16, 2022
most likely because hes not forcing assist. hes pretty much had 6 assist or lower in 4 games. the double digit assist he had 3. which isnt too bad. but still.. when he forces them passes. only bad things can happen
— Justbizzzness_ (@Justbizzness90) January 17, 2022
When he shoots an air ball or hits the side of the backboard thats basically a turnover tho
— De🅿️ressed Warriors Fan 💔 (@GoIdenState) January 16, 2022
https://twitter.com/wesleyelkins888/status/1482817652175228928
Is this your way of getting his trade stock up? If so you're failing miserably
— (1-2) (@Deez_Kingz) January 16, 2022
y’all swore his turnovers were the issue lmao lakers get dropped 39 he had 0 turnovers
— ali ッ (@WalkDwnAli) January 16, 2022
Bro he’s shooting like 30%
— . (@SquintsJrr) January 16, 2022
Soo Russell Westbrook life as basketball ball player reduce as people talking about his average on turnovers 🤦🏾♂️
— Sam 🇨🇦 (@sluxana) January 16, 2022
It is true that Westbrook has maintained a low number of turnovers in his recent games. But at the same time, he has struggled to score effectively. This has without a doubt led to many fans still continuing to criticize him.
In his defense, former NBA player Nick Young called people out for disrespecting Westbrook. Apart from Young, Russell Westbrook’s brother also defended his brother in a heated debate.
Expectations are certainly high for Westbrook and the only way for him to shut up his critics is to apparently do everything at an elite level. Realistically, the way for him to turn the crown around and find some middle ground. Meaning, apart from keeping a low number of turnovers, he needs to shoot at least 44-45% from the field.
